Update

Sorry, I said I would update daily, but exhaustion took over. Here is where we are at. Mom is still in the hospital. She has a blood clot in her arm. They have decided that no surgery is necessary, and she will remain on blood thinners when she leaves the hospital. She had an IV line in her neck, and fortunately, they have removed that. It made it uncomfortable to sleep! She was hoping to get out today, but has developed a cough and a fever. They have decide to keep her since her immune system is so low currently. They don't want her to go home, spike a high fever and have to be readmitted through the Emergency room.

She is feeling better, much more fiesty about her desire to go home. I think she is a little lonely and bored. Feel free to call her cell phone (804)543-0361 or her room directly (804)281-9601. Visiting might not be a good idea right now, since her immune levels are down. Thanks for all of the prayers and support. Love, Noelle

Bad News

Mom went to the ER last night. Her arm was swelling and discolored. They admited her and she will be in until Tues or Weds. She has a blood clot in her arm or neck. They took out the PIC line and she is on blood thinners and antibiotics. A vascular surgeon will decide if that is enough, or if surgery is needed. Needless to say she is exhausted and not feeling so good. Please say prayers, and feel free to call me for an update. My number is 804-364-2032. I'll update daily right now, so please check back. Noelle

A Huge Pothole in the Road...

Hi, it's Noelle. I always mix my metaphors, and stuggle to come up with a witty title that explains where we are in the journey. Since the last post, mom has actually relaxed and stayed home. The infection got better, and her port was tested to make sure it was ok, and she seemed on the upswing.

Good News: Chemo number 4 is finally done and this means mom is 2/3 of the way done with chemo!!!

Bad News: She has had problems with her port since the beginning, and finally the doctors gave up on it working. This all occurred yesterday, 2/12. They decided to put in a type of iv, a pic (sp?) line, to administer the remaning chemo treatments. This morning mom and dad went back to the hospital, to have it inserted, and then back to the treatment center for chemo. Needless to say it was a long couple of days, but she has had the treatment.

I always think that it is a big deal, one more down, cross it off the list. The reality is that even though the treatment is over the after effects really don't start for a few days. This time mom will go for a shot each day, for 5 days. It is less strong than the previous shot that she reacted poorly to. Please keep praying that she feels well, and makes it through with few complications.

Aunt Ann, dad's sister, came to help this time. She'll be staying for almost a week. It gives me peace of mind to know someone is there in case of any other fainting spells. There email is not working currently, so if you want to send a message, feel free to email me at nojophoto@gmail.com. I'll be glad to print it out and bring it over.

I'll keep you all updated as we have news. So consider no news between treatments is good news!

Noelle

A bend in the Road

Hey, it is Noelle. We have a little bump in the road this chemo. Two main issues, as far as I can tell: 1. Mom has an infection in or around the port where they put the chemo. She is on antibiotics since Saturday, and they have put her on stronger antibiotics. She needs for this to get better or it is going to warrant a trip to the hospital (I believe for iv antibiotics).

The other main issue is that she did not react well to the shot that is supposed to increase her blood levels. That caused a little fainting episode this weekend, and the Dr. has decided to stop the shot of that is causing the problem. In its place, mom will have to have a series of 5 shots in five days after each chemo. Not the best option, but better than fainting.

She is feeling better than this weekend, and she is trying to schedule less, but help encourage her, and say prayers that we can stay the course and get this over with asap! I'll keep you updated when there is news, definitely this weekend hopefully to let you know the infection has cleared! Noelle

Half Way Done!!!

Today, the 23, mom had her 3rd chemo. She is officially half way done with chemo. She has been doing well, with only mild discomfort. Her hemoglobin on Monday was good, but dropped today because she has been pushing herself too much in the days before chemo. She has come to the realization she needs to slow down because if her numbers stay low, she won't be able to have the next chemo on schedule. I am glad she has finally realized this. Mom seems to push herself right before the next chemo in case she feels bad, and in the process she wears herself out going into chemo. The next chemo is in 3 weeks. I promise to try to give more information sooner, and to have more wit in the next posting. I am just too tired!

Mom said thanks for the prayers and reading the blog. She really appreciates the love and support. Noelle

2 down and 4 to go

Dear Friends and family,
I had my second chemo today...yes this is Laurie finally learning how to do this crazy thing. All went very well except that I talked Mike Jr. into taking his Dad home and it went longer than I thought so Mike was worried about me when I decided to stop at the grocery store because I was starving after chemo.
What a different experience this is for me than my Mom who went through it 25 years ago. The anti-nausea drugs are keeping me so comfortable and most of the people I have talked to say the same things.
I am almost bald now as my hair started coming out so much that it was choking me. I got up on New years and chopped it off. Tonight in the shower most of the rest came out. I said that I looked like Kojak but I guess that dates me so I look like Howey Mandel (only not as cute!)
Thanks for all your love and prayers and support. Ps. if you want to call me now it is welcome. We go to bed around 10 eastern time.
Love,
Laurie

Ok, I'm a day Late, but the news is good!

Yeah! Good news, it went well, and mom feels good. She hasn't been queasy, the side effects not so bad. She has been up during the night from the steroids, but other than that, I don't believe she has slowed down. A dinner party last night, the Christian Women's Club Brunch today, Christmas shopping, and even a trip to the wig store today. If she does lose her hair, the wig will probably just make it easier to get out earlier in the morning! Good job with the prayers guys, thanks!

Also, on a side note, I just realized the irony of the picture I put up of mom and dad, drinking a glowing blue drink. I used the picture just because it was it cute and fun, never thinking about the crazy chemo cocktail she would be imbibing! Oh well. More news to follow as it comes.